Houston Defender: October 09, 2014

OPINION

EYES OF TEXAS: PLEASE FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE, P12 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 83 | Number 48

OCTOBER 9, 2014 |FREE

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NEWSTALK

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

warning signs

REP. SYLVESTER TURNER hosts community meeting

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H PAGE 10

BUSINESS CHERYL PEARSONMCNEIL looks at Black consumers

P6 FEATURE CHANTE MOORE performs at TSU homecoming

P14

Kevin Hart returns to BET

James Harden ready to rumble

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart is back for a third season of “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” the award-winning BET satirical series.

See which co-stars are returning with Hart. Read about the other starstudded shows that are part of a special, prime-time night.

Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden is excited about what’s ahead. The NBA preseason just started and the regular season kicks off later this month. Learn why Harden has high hopes this year. Hear what he says about Dwight Howard.

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TOP EVENTS

Ramona Rodriguez, Dr. Morgan Norris and Karena Polk at Katherine’s Breakfast for Breast Cancer Survivors

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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newstalk

Meeting set for Acres Homes residents

Medicaid expansion promoted in Texas Due to Texas’ decision to decline expansion, an estimated 1.3 million residents living at or below the federal poverty level are being denied access to insurance, a troubling statistic ongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is helping for many officials who represent low-income districts. lead the fight to expand Medicaid programs in “The state of Texas is losing $100 billion on not Texas. expanding Medicaid for our health care providers,” Green Texas is one of 24 states that turned down said. federal funding to expand Medicaid under the “I have an underserved district in North Houston with a Affordable Care Act. Jackson Lee is a member of the State great medical center but for people to get there they usually Medicaid Expansion have to go through the Caucus, a 33-member emergency room because Congressional group that they don’t have insurance emphasizes the need for through their employer. all states to expand the The Affordable Care Act is healthcare program. helping that but not as much Jackson Lee, who if we expanded Medicaid.” was joined at a recent According to Pallone, press conference by when members of the U.S. Houston Congressman Health Subcommittee were Gene Green and New establishing the Affordable Jersey Congressman Care Act, they expected all Frank Pallone, wants states to agree with Medicaid Gov. Rick Perry to expansion. reverse his current “When we passed the decision to reject Affordable Care Act, we Medicaid funding. expected that because we “I am very were providing 100 percent U.S. Reps. Gene Green, Sheila Jackson Lee and Frank Pallone call for disappointed by federal funding for expanded Medicaid expansion.

Governor Rick Perry’s Medicaid that every state and the state of Texas would do it,” Pallone said. continuing to reject Medicaid expansions in Texas,” Jackson “We were basically saying that the federal government is Lee said. going to pay for this and expected that all the states would go “In refusing additional Medicaid funding, he is denying along with it but Texas did not. millions of Texans access to life-saving health insurance.

“The Republican leadership believes that the Affordable Medicaid expansion is particularly urgent for Texas because Care Act is not a good thing; therefore they don’t want to it is ranked first in the number of uninsured residents in the trigger the expanded Medicaid. That just means Texas will country.” lose out on all the federal funding that will be provided.”

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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

State Rep. Sylvester Turner will hold a community meeting to address issues of interest to Acres Homes residents, especially with the rise in drug activity.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 West Montgomery. Topics include public safety concerns and resources available for drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.

“We have many needs in the community State Rep. Sylvester Turner but we also have many resources available to help our citizens,” Turner said. “I hope everyone will come to this meeting and learn how you and your loved ones can find assistance.”

The meeting will include Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen and representatives of the Houston Police Department discussing public safety.

Representatives from the Mental Health/ Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County and the Council on Drugs and Alcohol Houston will talk about resources in those areas.

The meeting is co-hosted by State Sen. John Whitmire, City Councilmember Jerry Davis, Constable Alan Rosen and the Acres Home Superneighborhood Council No. 6.

For information call 713-683-6363.

localbriefs A NEW REPORT EXAMINES SCHOOL CHOICE as an effective way of keeping kids out of the juvenile justice system. The report, released by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, is titled “Destroying the School-to-Prison Pipeline.” According to researchers, at the most basic level, lack of educational attainment correlates with negative outcomes later on in life and is predictive of criminal reoffending. “Any program that increases the likelihood of successful educational attainment could, indirectly, reduce criminal offending and recidivism,” said the report. “However, it is more likely that the school choice options grant concerned parents the ability to remove

their child from a delinquent peer group, a factor highly ingrained in deviant and criminal behavior.” The foundation is a research institute based in Austin……..THE HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE, 1301 Texas Ave., dedicates its Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Enhancement on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. The center will focus on providing resources to spur business origination, small business development and access to capital. It will feature various services, including business development and consulting, professional networking opportunities, professional development training, and small business advocacy. For information call 713-393-8765……..

ACTIVIST DICK GREGORY will discuss topics

such as race relations, incidents in Ferguson, Mo. and the Ebola crisis during an appearance at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, 5309 MLK Blvd., on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Admission to the event, sponsored by Michael Clark & Ali Muhammad Productions, ranges from $15 to $65. For information call 832-453-5588… …..MACY’S IS HIRING SEASONAL ASSOCIATES for the 2014 holiday season. Associates serve customers on the selling floor, work in store operations positions, interact with customers via the telephone in call centers, and staff distribution and fulfillment centers that coordinate shipments to stores and directly to customers who buy online or via mobile. To apply visit www.macysJOBS.com.

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Coming Together to Reduce Calories 2014 COMMITMENT to ACTION

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the Clinton Foundation and America’s leading beverage companies have come together to announce a landmark Clinton Global Initiative commitment to help fight obesity by reducing beverage calories consumed per person by 20 percent by 2025.

The initiative will leverage the beverage companies’ marketing, innovation and distribution strengths to: • Increase consumer interest in and access to beverage options that can help them reduce calories, such as smaller portion sizes, water and other no- or lower-calorie options.

• Provide calorie counts and promote calorie awareness and balance on all company-controlled equipment nationwide, this includes more than three million vending machines, self-serve fountain dispensers and retail coolers, within two years.

• Focus on communities where the effort can have the greatest impact: where there is less interest in and/or access to beverage options that can help consumers reduce their calories.

This commitment builds upon the beverage companies’ existing efforts to help address obesity including its partnership with the Alliance, which led to the Alliance School Beverage Guidelines and a 90 percent reduction of beverage calories in schools nationwide. The initiative will continue to help transform the beverage landscape in America and further our commitment to consumers, bringing meaningful solutions to families and communities nationwide.

Go to www.healthiergeneration.org or www.deliveringchoices.org for more information.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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national

U.S.briefs

Supreme Court will address familiar issues

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he Supreme Court begins its new term with a look at some familiar issues, including affirmative action, voting rights and fair housing.

The court began by turning away appeals from five states that sought to prohibit gay marriage. By dodging the issue, the move allows gay men and women to get married in the five states – Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. The court also left the issue unresolved nationally.

For the third year in a row, the court could be faced with deciding how much race can be considered in university admissions by hearing the University of Texas case again. Lower courts upheld the Texas policy following a Supreme Court decision in 2013 that ordered a new review. The case is currently being appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

Voter ID requirements and limits on early voting could also make their way to the Supreme Court. It faces challenges to Wisconsin’s photo ID requirement

and North Carolina’s stricter voting rules.

Redistricting in Alabama is on the agenda as well.

Black lawmakers and Democrats contend that Republican leaders in the state drew a new legislative map that illegally packed Black voters into too few voting districts, limiting their minority political power. Republicans counter that they complied with the law by keeping the same number of districts in which Black voters could elect candidates of their choice.

Legal challenges to Obamacare continue in several states that would drastically reduce the number of Americans eligible for subsidies to make health insurance affordable. Opponents of the Affordable Care Act argue that federal tax subsidies cannot be offered in the 34 states that did not set up their own insurance exchanges.

In addition, the Supreme Court will take up a key enforcement tool used to address discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. The court will decide whether people suing for housing discrimination must prove they were victims of intentional bias.

Black girls need leadership opportunities NNPA News Service

While Black girls possess high levels of leadership qualities, they receive the least opportunity to fill these roles throughout their lives, a new report finds.

The study, titled “Unlocking Opportunity for AfricanAmerican Girls: A Call to Educational Equity,” was co-authored by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and the National Women’s Law Center.

Despite having the highest workforce participation rates of all women, Black women hold just 5.3 percent of all managerial and professional positions. In business, Black women occupy only 2 percent of board seats among Fortune 500 companies.

In government, there is only one Black woman mayor among the nation’s 100 largest cities, no Black women serving as governor, and only 14 Black women in the House of Representatives. There has only been one Black woman senator, Carol Moseley Braun.

According to the report, the assertive qualities many Black girls possess – which make good leaders – are often perceived as defiance and disruption coming from them, bringing harsher discipline and negative school experiences.

The report cited recommendations for closing the leadership gap, including professional development and training to address teacher bias and increasing access to extracurricular activities and opportunities to lead.

WASHINGTON INSIDERS believe Joe Clancy, the new interim director of the Secret Service, is the ideal person to lead the agency during troubled times. Julia Pierson resigned as director in the aftermath of a fence-jumper gaining access to the White House and other security lapses. “I’m very pleased,” said Congressman Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Government Oversight Committee. “[Clancy] is a person the president has utmost confidence in — he will take a bullet for him.”

The Department of Homeland Security will conduct an internal inquiry of the Secret Service……..SOME 50 PEOPLE DISRUPTED a St. Louis Symphony performance, calling for justice for police shooting victim Michael Brown. In an orchestrated move, one Black man stood up and sang, “What side are you on friend, what side are you on?” Another woman stood up and joined him singing, “Justice for Mike Brown is justice for us all.” Several audience members throughout the theater joined in the singing.

Some symphony-goers were outraged and others stood up and started clapping. The protesters voluntarily marched out of the theater together........THE FAR-REACHING BENEFITS of a minimum wage increase are documented in a new report from the Leadership Conference Education Fund and the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality. The report explores how the nation’s historically low minimum wage is a major driver of income inequality and poverty and how it impacts the civil and human rights of diverse Americans. The report also examines the current state of minimum wage policy on the state and federal level, and the benefits of a minimum wage increase. It said by failing to pass the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, Congress has failed the millions of American families struggling in low-paying jobs. “Today’s minimum wage can’t even support a family’s basic needs, let alone our nation’s economic recovery,” it said.

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 48 OCTOBER 9, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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Museum planned for Wheatley?

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

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“We are hoping to restore the building and have it be a benefit to the community…”

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Members of the Wheatley/ E.O. Smith Preservation Coalition, Fifth Ward residents and supporters hope the school will be restored after a judge upheld a temporary restraining order against HISD halting demolition of the historic building located at 1700 Gregg.

“We are hoping to restore the building and have it be a benefit to the community as well as the students,” said Loretta Brock, leader of The People Hold the Purse. “We have partnered with Southwest Museum to look at a possible museum inside the building.”

The temporary restraining order was filed with Joetta Stevenson, Synthia Hall and Phyllis Johnson listed as plaintiffs.

According to Brock, Wheatley supporters have met with HISD Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones to possibly come up with a solution to save the former school from further demolition.

“Now we want to take some quality time to dialogue with the board and see if collaboration is still on the table,” she said.

HISD began demolition on the building on Aug. 31 but did not obtain a permit for demolition until Sept. 26. The district also did not inform the community of any possible health dangers.

The Wheatley Preservation Coalition is concerned about the effects of breathing asbestos from the demolition can have on the surrounding community. Coalition members have noted that children are waiting for school buses near the open demolition site and could be breathing in hazardous materials.

The Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men is set to move to the site on 1700 Gregg. Construction on a new school facility is scheduled to begin in 2015.

The HISD board had approved a settlement to include architectural enhancements to the new school “befitting and honoring the dignity of the history of the previous school,” and agreed to devote another $1 million to the project.

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business

Black media, ads, reach Black consumers

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By JAZELLE HUNT NNPA Washington Correspondent

he most effective way for companies to connect with African-Americans is by reflecting diversity in their advertisements and utilizing Black media, according to a new study by Nielsen.

This year’s edition, titled, “Powerful.

Growing. Influential: The African-American Consumer 2014 Report,” marks the start of a partnership between Nielsen and Essence Magazine. It was released during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Leadership Conference.

“What’s also important is when you take a look at other groups as well, you’ll find that they are also more likely to buy a product [when shown diversity],” said Cheryl PearsonMcNeil, senior vice president of U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen. “…Campaigns that have ads in it featuring Blacks also resonate with Caucasian and Hispanic audiences, as they find diversity in casting equally, or as likeable than advertisements featuring only their own ethnicity.”

Acknowledgment of racial identity was important for 87 percent of all Black respondents, compared to 59 percent of the general population. Blacks were 38 percent more likely to make a purchase when the advertisement included Black people, and 43 percent more likely to patronize a business if it is minority-owned.

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil Black media, as well as brands that have advertised within these channels, have consistently resonated well with Black consumers. According to the report, 59 percent of respondents agreed that advertisers in Black Press publications “know how to connect with the African-American audience.”

“When we’re talking about what we want the corporations to take away from this, it’s also the influence that we as African-Americans bring to the table,” Pearson-McNeil said.

“We tend to be trendsetters. We tend to have spokespersons that cross all ethnic, racial, and social lines. …It makes sense [for corporations] to want incorporate diversity into their overall strategy.”

Among trendsetters, no one exercises more economic clout than Black women. That was made clear by a special section of the report on women.

“The entire report is about African American consumers,” Cheryl Pearson-McNeil said. “But, we have a special page dedicated to Black women, because we know for our households, we see Black women making the spending decisions.”

“Having this data is a tremendous resource,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, Inc. “A study of this magnitude reinforces the importance of [diversity], which is very helpful to marketers, or else they

Facts & figures reinforce the same stereotypes about beauty, success, and relationships.”

The report also discusses trends in health and wellness, and financial management. It seems Black consumerism is sprouting new dimensions because Black socioeconomic factors are changing.

“A younger, growing population and higher educational achievement are the engines behind gains in economic power,” the report said.

Essence succeeds the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), also known as the Black Press of America, as Nielsen’s newest partner. The custom survey they co-created was administered to more than 7,000 visitors during and in connection to the 2014 Essence Festival. Those results were added to Nielsen’s data to create a sample size of 10,208 respondents.

Ebanks said the survey “was a great opportunity.” She points out that Essence Fest is the largest live event in the nation, and that the host city, New Orleans, rakes in more than $200 million from the three-day affair.

Pearson-McNeil added that advertising firms have referred to it as “the Super Bowl of marketing to Black women.”

“One thing that surprised me was the reaction from folks who stood in line to take the survey,” Pearson-McNeil said.

“A woman hugged me and said, ‘thank you for this opportunity, for caring about how I spend my money.’ So often we don’t get asked and our voices are not heard; that’s why it’s so important if you’re asked to participate in a study or survey, you say yes.”

• 45 percent of Black adults with incomes above $50,000 per year have read a Blackfocused magazine in the last month. Black Americans consume more media than average, particularly in the case of Black-centric radio, magazines, and television, and digital media in general.

• When Black women spend, they rely heavily on brand loyalty and word of mouth – 79 percent of Black women respondents said that it is important to trust a brand when purchasing its products, and 80 percent will tell a friend about a product if they like it.

• Black women are 40 percent more likely to use a daily deal app than the general market.

They’re two times more likely than the general market to spend more than three hours a day on social media sites, where they may learn about new brands. And 46 percent shop only online, where it is easy to shop around.

• 59 percent believe supporting Black-owned businesses is important, and the same percentage expects companies with large Black consumer bases to give back to the Black community.

Source: “Powerful. Growing. Influential: The African-American Consumer 2014 Report.”

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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entertainment

BET presents

Snoop Dogg

prime-time night of stars BET Networks will showcase a night of stars on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The network kicks off the evening with the pre-show “106 & Park at The Hip Hop Awards” at 6 p.m. Shad Moss and Tamika “Tiny” Harris will host the show, which features celebrity interviews and behind-thescenes rehearsals.

Following the pre-show, Snoop Dogg hosts the BET “Hip Hop Awards at 7 p.m. A highlight of the show will be a performance

by Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, YoYo and Brandy.

Other performers include Common, Birdman, DJ Premier, DJ Mustard, Young Thug and Vince Staples. The “I Am Hip Hop Icon” Award will be presented to Doug E. Fresh.

Nominees include Jay Z, Kanye West, Drake, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa and Future.

At 9 p.m., box office king Kevin Hart returns in season three of BET’s awardwinning comedy “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” The series was created by Hart, and follows him along with other married celebrities, each playing a comical fictionalized version of themselves.

Hart is reunited with the satire’s cast, including Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, Nelly, Nick Cannon and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams. The new season features guest appearances by celebrities such as George Lopez and Mariah Carey.

Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart

Queen Latifah

what’sup VIOLA DAVIS, the star of ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder,” revealed that like a lot of women, she has struggled with her hair. When she was 28, Davis lost half her hair to alopecia.

“I woke up one day and it looked like I had a Mohawk. Big splash of bald on the top of my head,” she said. “I was like, ‘What is this?’

Until I found out it was stress- related. That’s how I internalized it. I don’t do that anymore.”

Davis said that for years, she wore wigs as a crutch, even when she worked out. She now alternates wigs with her natural hair……..

KELLY ROWLAND, who is expecting her

first child with husband Tim Witherspoon, can be seen semi-nude in Elle Magazine. Rowland covers her breasts with her hands and displays her bulging belly. “I took a birthing class and I was amazed by all the things this woman was saying to me about birthing and what the body does naturally. Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate that? The body should be celebrated,” Rowland said……..RAVEN-SYMONE spoke out about her sexuality on “Oprah: Where Are They Now.” When OPRAH WINFREY asked her if she was gay, Symone replied that she’s in a relationship with a woman, former “Ameri-

ca’s Next Top Model” contestant AzMarie Livingston. She doesn’t want to be labeled as gay or bisexual, and prefers to be “a human who loves humans.” She also said she is an American, not an African-American……..GEOFFREY HOLDER, a noted actor, choreographer, director, dancer, painter, costume designer and singer, died Oct. 5 of pneumonia at age 84.

Holder won two Tony Awards for directing and costuming Broadway’s “The Wiz.” He appeared in 7-Up commercials in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and in such movies as “Doctor Dolittle” and “Live and Let Die.”

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

centerfold

Batte

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Carolyn Thomas di she already knew. She w domestic violence – eig of her boyfriend, Terran “He used to tell me part.’ He’d say we are g ‘if you leave me I’ll kil carry through with the was a joke,” she said.

But Carolyn soon l about Terrance’s threat good on his promise.

“He came to my ap carrying a gun. He and mom came in and he sh he took me in the living point blank range.”

Carolyn’s mother d person.

“I lost 80 percent o and jawbone and upper in my left shoulder. I’v seven major surgeries. thetic nose. I have very person as I used to be o same Carolyn on the in

warning signs H PAGE 10

Get help, get out

Domestic violence remain in volatile relat of other races.

Dr. Tricia Bent-Goo Howard University, sai just don’t feel safe in in tems” designated to hel or even women’s shelte Or if they do decid plans are often met wit religious leaders. So th many of the women do

O

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

And sometimes emotional abuse is a sign that a person will become physically violent and hurt you.

Here is a list of possible warning signs of abuse. Some of them are illegal and all of them are wrong. You may be abused if your partner:

ctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to focus on a pressing social issue.

The case of Ray Rice, the former Baltimore Ravens 1. Monitors what you’re doing all the time running back who was indefinitely suspended because a video 2. Unfairly accuses you of being unfaithful all the time was released of him punching his then-fiancée Janay until she 3. Prevents or discourages you from seeing friends or family or from was unconscious, has brought the issue back to the forefront. But for many – going to work or school especially Black women – it never left.

4. Gets very angry during and after drinking alcohol or using drugs According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an esti- 5. Controls how you spend your money mated 1.3 million American women experience domestic violence each year. 6. Decides things that you should be allowed to decide Black women are almost three times as likely to experience death as a (like what to wear or eat) result of domestic violence. And while Black women only make up 8 percent 7. Humiliates you in front of others of the U.S. population, 22 percent of homicides that result from domestic 8. Destroys your property or things that you care about violence happen to Black women, making it one of the leading causes of 9. Threatens to hurt you, your children, or pets death for Black women ages 15 to 35.

10. Uses (or threatens to use) a weapon against you Some women are at risk for abuse and don’t even know it. According 11. Forces you to have sex against your will to the Office on Women’s Health of U.S. Department of Health and Hu12. Controls your birth control or insists that you get pregnant man Services, you may think that your 13. Blames you for his or her violent husband is allowed to make you have outbursts sex. That’s not true. Forced sex is rape, 14. Threatens to harm himself or herno matter who does it. self when upset with you Abused women tell why they You may think that cruel or threat15. Says things like, “If I can’t have stayed, why they left ening words are not abuse. They are. you then no one can.”

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Wha

If you are bein is some advice fro Call the polic leave your home s they have enough the officers’ name Get support f has happened.

Find a safe pl home because of way you will be sa Get medical h hospital or your do Get a persona you from being hit

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11

ered women urged to get help “We still may be willing to fight back and defend ourselves, where ultimately what we’re trying to do is defend our relationship,” Lovelace said. “By the time we come to the conclusion that we need outside help... something really severe has already happened. A lot of times we don’t even see these women until they have been killed.”

idn’t need statistics to confirm what was a Black woman living with ght years to be exact, at the hands nce. e we’d be together ‘til death do us going to be ‘together forever,’ and ll you.’ I didn’t think he would threats. I used to laugh. I thought it

learned there was nothing funny s. In December, 2003, he made

Stop the cycle

partment one day high on drugs, I were tumbling over the gun, my hot her in the abdomen area. Then, g room and shot me in the face at

died and she was left a different

of my face, which includes my nose r lip, right eye and the bullet lodged ve had 13 surgeries altogether and I wear a prosthetic right eye, a prosy little top lip left. I’m not the same on the outside but I’m definitely the nside,” she said.

t

researchers say Black women often ionships longer than abused women

odley, a professor of social work at id some “African-American women nteracting with some of the syslp abuse victims, such as the police ers. de to leave an abusive partner, their th resistance by family members or he violence continues to escalate and n’t even realize how dangerous their

Before and after photos reveal the tragedy Carolyn Thomas experienced when she was shot in the face by her boyfriend.

situation is.

“We don’t really talk about domestic violence,” Bent-Goodley said. “AfricanAmerican women turn to either their friends or their faithbased community. Unfortunately, many of our faith-based communities tell them that divorce is a sin and that they should stay in the relationship. Some of the messages that we get can stop us from reaching out for help.”

Often, Black women who are abuse victims, rather than reporting the assaults or leaving, choose to fight back physically. The experts say it’s a cultural standard that is often applauded and admired by those close to the women.

Tonya Lovelace, director of the Women of Color Network, said that because they are defending themselves, some women might mistakenly believe that they aren’t really in an abusive relationship.

at to do, where to go

ng abused or feel you are in danger, here om domestic violence.org. ce. They can help you and your children safely and can arrest your abuser when h proof that you have been abused. Get es, badge number, and the report number. from friends and family. Tell them what

lace. You should not have to leave your your abuser but sometimes it is the only afe. help. If you have been hurt, go to the octor. al protection order (PPO). It can protect t, threatened, harassed or stalked.

Make a safety plan. Compile important phone numbers for you and your children. Numbers to have are the police, hotlines, family, friends and local shelters. Determine how to get out of your home safely. Think of where you could go.

Consider ways to get weapons out of the house.

Know where to turn. Resources include: Houston Area Women’s Center, 713-528-2121, www. hawc.org Houston Police Department, emergency calls, 9-1-1; nonemergency calls, 713-884-3131; www.houstonpolice.org United Way Helpline, 2-1-1, www.unitedwayhouston.org Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, (713) 224-9911, http:// avda-tx.org National Domestic Abuse Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE, 1-800-799-7233

he Houston area for over 80 years

Lovelace said she believes she knows what drives that thinking by some abused Black women to “stick in it longer.”

“Some of that has to do with the idea that Black men are scarce,” she said. “We are at greater risk because of that and that belief that a little bit of violence in our relationship is nothing that can’t be handled.”

“We need to make sure they get the kind of counseling they need,” added Campbell. “It can’t be a family secret.

They have to get professional help so that they don’t continue the cycle.

Thomas, who travels the world speaking about domestic violence, said women need to leave before her story becomes theirs.

“If someone tells you they’re going to kill you, take it seriously,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re smiling, joking or what, take it seriously.

“I used to beat myself up with the ‘what ifs.’ I’m no longer dwelling on what I ‘woulda-coulda-shoulda’ done.

I’m just dealing with the future now and the future is saving as many women as I can from domestic violence, getting them out of those relationships.

“My life was spared because God wanted to use me as a tool, a visual aid because I think sometimes when we look at posters, we know that’s makeup. There’s no makeup here,” she said. “This is the outcome of staying in

12

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

opinion Eyes of Texas:

T

Please focus on healthcare

he State Legislature will have an opportunity to make a major step toward fixing healthcare in Texas. Today, unfortunately, our great state holds the No. 1 position in America in the rate of people uninsured, meaning their access to healthcare is to fill the emergency rooms throughout the state when they are sick.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also recognizes the problem and had several colleagues join her in asking Texas to expand Medicaid.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers declined to expand Medicaid and pay $50 million over a two-year period, in return for a $4 billion investment in federal dollars. Every month Texas loses $300 million for not taking the money. In addition, had we taken the money it would have generated 200,000 new jobs in the first three years according to sources.

One of the main reasons cited for not taking the money was the federal strings attached. But a key factor is if the state wants to opt out it can. So what is the problem?

Gov. Rick Perry has been obstinate about not taking the federal dollars – completely blind to the real needs of the state.

At a recent panel discussion hosted by the Texas Tribune and sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Rice University titled “Changing Population, Changing Healthcare,” the dynamics impacting our state were broken into two categories: demographic and economic.

The demographic changes reflect a substantial growth in the Hispanic population or the “browning” of Texas. The socio economic impact indicates our poverty rates are two to three times higher and minority income is 60-70 percent of white counterparts. Renowned demographer Steve Murdock said, “If

we don’t change the economics of our state…we will be a poor and disadvantaged state.”

Another demographic change that will drain our healthcare system is the aging of the baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964 and representing 20 percent of the population). Projections are our state will experience a 13-22 percent increase in the total population over 65 years old.

When you consider these elderly patients will be serviced

by providers or caregivers that are minorities (Hispanics, Blacks, or Asian mostly) then there is a direct connection between these two demographic changes and emphasizes the importance of compensation of these workers.

Simply put, the minimum wage must be increased to provide an infrastructure for this important workforce needed to support our aging citizens.

Even if there were no demographic changes, there is an economic impact that hits all of us in the pocketbook.

There are four factors to consider: One, our hard earned tax dollars are going to other states to use for their healthcare needs instead of Texans using those dollars. Two, our hospitals are taking on the financial burden of caring for the uninsured which puts a strain on their capacity to serve others.

Three, the expense of taking care of the uninsured is passed on to those who are insured. And four, we are losing doctors since one out of three doctors do not service Medicaid patients and the number is growing because Medicaid payments offer substantially lower compensation.

The reality is “Pay me now or pay me later, but you will pay.”

Despite this environment, State Rep. Sylvester Turner (District 139) is an optimist and says legislators can come up with a system that keeps Texans healthy. He admits his colleagues will have to be creative but he believes the “Texas spirit” of finding a unique “Texas solution” through compromise is achievable.

Turner stated, “Don’t kill a good thing seeking the perfect [solution].”

He said it will involve educating our elected officials and will take prayer. So, let us pray that the Eyes of Texas will focus on healthcare and find a solution for all Texans.

U.S. shouldn’t mess with CHIP’s success

By MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN NNPA Columnist

On June 1, 1996 the Children’s Defense Fund convened with more than 3,000 co-sponsoring organizations for the largest rally for children in our nation’s history.

More than 200,000 parents, grandparents, child advocates, religious leaders and others gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to Stand for Children.

In 1997, one in seven children in the United States lacked health coverage. The 1996 and 1997 rallies provided the grassroots push that helped lead to the bipartisan passage of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Introduced and championed by Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in a Republican Senate, President Bill Clinton signed CHIP into law in August 1997.

For 17 years CHIP has been there, giving working families the security of knowing their children had access to quality, appropriate coverage they could afford. Since CHIP’s creation the rate of uninsured children has been cut in half and is now at a record low, while improving health outcomes and access to care.

The popular federal-state partnership is now a lifeline for more than 8 million children in low and lower middle income working families.

Despite this great progress and CHIP’s success,

it faces a very real threat right now: if Congress doesn’t take action, there will be no new funding for CHIP after Sept. 30, 2015 and our children and families will suffer the consequences.

The Government Accountability Office estimates that as many as 2 million children enrolled in CHIP could become uninsured if funding is not extended. Unfortunately, many children now covered by CHIP wouldn’t be eligible for subsidies to purchase health coverage in the new health insurance marketplaces.

Congress must not play politics with healthcare.

CHIP has helped put a generation of children on a path to healthy adulthood. Let’s put CHIP on the same path.

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

13

Voters reminded to meet photo ID requirements

W Free smoke alarms

Councilmember Dwight Boykins is speaking out about fire safety in District D. In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, Boykins’ District D City Council office has joined forces with the Houston Fire Department, the American Red Cross, and Hope Worldwide to distribute and install smoke alarms throughout the South Union area in Southeast Houston.

Texas Southern University students are also volunteering with the oneday effort.

ith the Nov. 4 general election approaching, Texas voters are reminded to prepare for photo ID require-

ments at the polls.

Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry and Texas Public Safety Commission Chair Cynthia Leon are teaming up to tell voters about the options they have.

Texans voting in person will need to show one of seven approved IDs at the polls: 1. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued driver license 2. DPS-issued personal ID card 3. DPS-issued concealed handgun license 4. U.S. passport 5. U.S. military ID with a photo 6. U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo 7. Election identification certificate (EIC) from DPS EICs are free and available at DPS driver license offices across the state

throughout the year.

Starting Saturday, Oct. 11, about 50 offices will also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to issue EICs only. A list of locations is available at dps.texas.gov or by calling 512-4242600.

EICs will also be available at mobile stations traveling across the state.

To find locations and dates, visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE. When applying for an EIC, you will need to show proof of citizenship and identity. For most Texans this means an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and two supporting forms of documentation, such as a voter registration card, Social Security card, school records and military records.

If you need a copy of your Texas birth certificate in order to obtain an EIC, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will provide one at no cost instead of the usual $22.

For information call DSHS at 512776-7368.

14

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014 |

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TSU celebrates homecoming Oct. 22-25

T

iger Pride will be on full display this year as alumni, students, family and friends of Texas Southern University prepare for the annual homecoming celebration. This year’s theme is “OneTSU.” Activities include: Wednesday, Oct. 22 – Festivities begin with a Student Appreciation Day with Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Celebration Kick-off, Bowl-A-Thon, Pep Rally, Powder Puff game and Paint Run. Thursday, Oct. 23 – There will be a Gospel Explosion, annual Tiger Paw Golf Classic at Southwyck Golf Club in Pearland, Homecoming Luncheon, Alumni Welcome Reception and Tigers Stomp the Yard.

Friday, Oct. 24 – Activities include an Alumni Membership/Reunion Breakfast, College/Schools Open House, Yard Festival, TSU National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) General Body Meeting, Maroon and Gray Fashion Show, Greek Show/Concert, TSUNAA After Party and Pawdemonium DJ Battle.

TSU will also recognize outstanding alumni, community leaders and corporate and philanthropic partners at its President’s Gala at the Westin Galleria Hotel.

A reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner and awards presentation at 7 p.m. A concert and show featuring Chante’ Moore, Chris Walker and the Ernest Walker Band of Houston begins at 8:30 p.m.

Alumni honorees include Rev. Manson Johnson of Holman Street Baptist Church, artist Jesse Sifuentes, Bert Simmons of Simmons State Farm Insurance Agency, George Provost of Provost and Associates Photography, Kroger pharmacist Marla Fielder and attorney Lawrence Boze’.

Community Partner awards will be

presented to Joel Cowley of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Mayor Annise Parker, Doug Abernethy of Radio One and Ivory Harrison of the Coca-Cola Company.

Gala hosts are Dr. John and Docia Rudley.

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Festivities conclude with campus tailgating, a downtown parade, football game versus Arkansas Pine Bluff and a Presidential After Party.

For more information visit www. tsu.edu or call 713-313-1363 (alumni events) or 713-313-1111 (homecoming hotline).

Doug Abernethy

Lawrence Boze’

Rev. Manson Johnson

Mayor Annise Parker

Joel Crowley

Ivory Harrison

Georgia Provost

Bert Simmons

UH Downtown fall enrollment sets record The University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) fall 2014 enrollment of 14,438 students is the largest in the institution’s history.

The fall enrollment exceeds the mark set in fall 2013 with a 5 percent increase in students and a 3.5 percent increase in semester credit hours.

The University’s graduate enrollment increased by more than 125 percent this fall to 610 students, 409 of whom are new.

The growth was driven in part by the expansion of the College of Business’ MBA degree and its tailored certificate programs that allow professionals to specialize in a variety of areas including leadership, human resource management, investment management, finance, and supply chain management.

Students can apply all credit hours earned while completing these certificates toward the MBA degree.

This fall, more than 35 percent of all semester credit hours are offered through online and hybrid (combination of online and face-to-face) courses, helping to spur enrollment growth.

Overall student enrollment at UHD is approximately 43 percent Hispanic, 26 percent AfricanAmerican, 10 percent Asian and 18 percent Caucasian, mirroring the Houston region’s ethnic diversity.

Over the past year, the university took steps to help increase student success, including revising barrier courses, hiring 14 new advisors and increasing peer-to-peer mentoring.

“While we are delighted that overall enrollment

is the highest in UHD’s history, our primary focus continues to be ensuring students’ success through each year of their academic journeys,” said UHD President Bill Flores, Ph.D. “We are committed to providing students with high-quality, hands-on learning experiences, essential advising support from the outset, flexible scheduling for working professionals, and facultyand peer-mentoring as students progress toward graduation.”

In addition to its downtown campus, UHD offers courses and degrees at four satellite campuses, including UHD Northwest, Lone Star CollegeAtascocita, Lone Star College-Cy Fair and Lone Star College-Kingwood.

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Defender

Comer Cottrell dead at 82 Dallas businessman and philanthropist Comer J. Cottrell Jr. died of natural causes on Oct. 3.

He was 82.

Cottrell founded Pro-Line Corp., an ethnic hair-care business, in 1970. By 1973 he made his first million dollars in sales.

The company’s brands include Just for Me and Soft and Beautiful relaxers. In 2000, Cottrell sold Pro-Line to Alberto Culver for $80 million.

Cottrell formed political friendships from City Hall to the White House. He was the first Black elected to the Dallas Citizens Council and the first to hold a significant equity in a Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers.

In 1990, he purchased the closed Bishop College campus for $1.5 million, persuaded Paul Quinn College to move to the site, and invested another $1.7 million in the college.

He was former chairman of the Texas Cosmetology Commission and actively involved in

such organizations as the NAACP and National Urban League.

Cottrell was born in Mobile, Ala. After serving in the Air Force, he joined Sears Roebuck and rose to the position of division manager in Los Angeles. He moved to Dallas in 1979.

He is survived by his wife Felisha, five children, nine grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Look for our special

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16 DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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Ebola patient Duncan dies at Dallas hospital Thomas Eric Duncan, the first known person to develop Ebola in the United States, died in Texas

Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas on Oct. 8.

The announcement was made by

classifieds Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice For

Barnett Athletic Complex Renovations & Butler Athletic Complex Renovations Project Number #14-09-13

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for renovations to: Barnett Athletic Complex: Restrooms and concession stands, new HVAC and windows at the Press Box, existing ticket booth to be demolished and replaced, new lighting and sound system at the Field House, renovation at training room and dressing rooms, replacement of water heater, mechanical upgrades in offices, replacement of doors, and general paint, replacement of new lighting fixtures at Jr. Field.

Butler Athletic Complex: Restrooms and concession stands, replacement of light fixtures at the stadium concourse, replacement of existing Press Box, replacement of lights in Field House, installation of sound system at Field House, and sound system replacement at the softball field.

Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Barnett Athletic Complex is located at 6800 Fairway Drive, Houston, TX 77087.

Butler Athletic Complex is located at 13755 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77035.

Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Saturday, October 11, 2014, and may be obtained from ARC Document Solutions Ridgways-PBK, 11 Greenway Plaza, 22nd Floor, Houston, TX 77046 v. 713-965-0608, f. 713-961-4571 upon refundable deposit of $50.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from ARC Document Solutions-Ridgways-PBK on disc for $25.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to PBK Facilities Division, 11 Greenway Plaza, 22 nd Floor, Houston, TX 77046, Miguel Salazar, miguel.salazar@pbk.com, v. 713-965-0608, f. 713-961-4571.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, Schedules and Statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP, and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, October 23, 2014, in the Office of Board Services, 4400 West 18 th Street, #1C, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Monday, October 13, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. at Barnett Athletic Complex, 6800 Fairway Drive, Houston, TX 77087. Following the Pre-Proposal Conference, a site walk will be conducted at Barnett Athletic Complex. The site walk for Butler Athletic Complex will be held at 3:30 p.m., 13755 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77035.

For additional information regarding these projects, please contact Mr. Raymond Hooks, rhooks@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center Street, Houston TX 77007, (713) 556-9250

Texas Health Resources, which operates a network of hospitals and related facilities in North Texas.

“It is with profound sadness and heartfelt disappointment that we must inform you of the death of Thomas Eric Duncan this morning

at 7:51 a.m.,” the announcement said.

“Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease, Ebola. He fought courageously in this battle. Our professionals, the doctors and nurses in the unit, as well as the entire Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

COMPETITIVE SEALED BID (CSB) Project # 14-09-11

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will receive lump sum bids, including all forms, schedules and statements, from Contractors until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, #1C, Houston, Texas 77092 for the Piney Point Elementary SPARK Park. The work will consist of adding a walking/jogging trail, various fitness stations, landscaping throughout and drainage/grading improvements.

Pre-Bid Conference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at Piney Point Elementary, 8921 Pagewood Lane, Houston, Texas 77063.

Bid documents will be available on Monday, October 6, 2014 on the HISD website at http://www.houstonisd.org/page/68148.

For additional information, contact Raymond Hooks, rhooks@houstonisd.org

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT-RISK (CMAR) Condit Elementary School

Thomas Eric Duncan

community, are also grieving his passing.

We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time.”

Duncan first began feeling ill after arriving in Dallas from Monrovia, Liberia, on Sept. 20. He went to the emergency room at the Dallas hospital on Sept. 26, but was sent back to the apartment where he was staying.

After he became critically ill, Duncan was transported to the same hospital by

ambulance on Sept. 28 and was put in isolation in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

The Centers for Disease Control confirmed on Sept.

30 that Duncan had been stricken with the deadly virus.

The day before his death, Rev. Jesse Jackson traveled to Dallas at the request of Duncan’s family.

Jackson said Duncan’s family was having a difficult time getting direct communication from doctors.

Project #14-09-10 HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD) DivisionOne Construction, LLC as Construction Manager at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from all qualified subcontractors for the Condit Elementary School Package.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Monday, October 13, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Condit Elementary School, 7000 South Third, Bellaire, TX 77401, Room: Cafeteria. A Site-Visit walkthrough of the project will be held immediately following the Pre-Proposal Conference.

Bids or proposals are due Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., and bids or proposals should be emailed to bid@d1construction.com or mailed/delivered to the DivisionOne Construction office located at 11500 Northwest Freeway, Suite 150, Houston, Texas 77092. Late bids will not be accepted.

There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract, or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, DivisionOne Construction will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. DivisionOne Construction is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. Bids or proposals submitted without all required information, and in the order and manner specified, may result in the bid or proposal being considered non-responsive.

HISD, the Owner, reserves the right to waive any informality and/or to reject any, or all bids, or proposals.

Contact bid@d1construction.com or Wm. “Earl” Finley, C.P.M., A.P.P. at wfinley@houstonisd.org for additional information on this project.

Drawings and specifications are available on ISQFT and in the DivisionOne Construction office located at 11500 Northwest Freeway, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77092.

Drawings and Specifications may also be reviewed at: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records Special Education records which have been collected by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 22, or moves from the district.

This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of HISD’s intent to destroy the Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services as of the end of the 2008-2009 school year. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise.

After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request the records in writing or in person at the following address: HISD Records Management Department 4400 W. 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-556-6055 Fax: 713-556-6040 Requests for records must be received by December 12, 2014.

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OCTOBER 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER

17

Houston youth receive free tennis lessons

P

otential tennis stars are getting free, year-round lessons after school, thanks in part to a $30,000 grant from Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Afterschool, Summer and Expanded Learning (CASE for Kids).

Operated by the Houston Tennis Association (HTA) and in partnership with the city of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department, the youth tennis program serves approximately 7,000 kids and is held throughout the year in city parks.

The grant from CASE for Kids enabled the HTA to hire and train more coaches and offer classes at more locations. The grant is funded through Houston Endowment via the Education Foundation of Harris County.

“Houston Tennis Association provides students who typically may not have opportunities to experience tennis the chance to learn the sport’s fundamentals and develop into quality players,” said Lisa Thompson Caruthers, director of CASE for Kids.

“Participants improve their physical health, enrich their academic experiences and develop their leadership capabilities while learning a new sport and gaining a lifelong love for the game.”

Nine-year-old Tatiana Ryan, who takes tennis lessons at Homer Ford Tennis Center in MacGregor Park, is excited to learn the sport after watching her aunt win a tennis trophy.

ABTCO-018 Oct DefenderAd 4.79x6.5 MECH.pdf

1

“We’ve been catching the balls with each other while moving so we have to work together,” she said. “So other than tennis, we’re learning teamwork.”

Children are taught the fundamentals of tennis and the importance of teamwork. In addition, they receive math, literacy and nutrition lessons that connect state standards to the sport of tennis. The program emphasizes the importance of life skills, so students can fully maximize their potential.

“We use tennis not only as an opportunity for kids to excel, but we also try to teach them life skills,” said Don Johnson, HTA instructor at Homer Ford. “[We] make sure that we learn how to communicate with each other, we respect each other, and everyone works as a team or family and we are all here to support each other.”

Registration is open to all students ages 6-18, regardless of income level, and classes range from beginner to advanced levels.

The classes are held at the following Houston Parks and Recreation sites: Alief (77072), Emancipation Park (77004), Finnigan (77020), Homer Ford (77021), Judson Robinson (77004), Linkwood (77025), Melrose (77076), Memorial Park Tennis Center (77007), R.L. & Cora Johnson (77041), and Sunnyside (77051).

For more call 713-803-1112 or visit www. houstonyouthtennis.camp7.org/.

10/6/14

Tatiana Ryan receives lessons from Houston Tennis Association instructor Don Johnson at Homer Ford Tennis Center.

4:23 PM

After-School Meal Program Programa de Alimentos para Después de la Escuela

September 2 - May 28 Septiembre a Mayo

Friends, Fun and Free Food Hey, Parents and Guardians!

FREE meals are available for children ages 1-18 who participate in programming at HPARD community centers.

No registration is required.

In more than 76 operating sites Snacks and supper served between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Allegiance Bank Texas delivers financial products that best fit your company whether you are expanding, acquiring a new company or purchasing equipment.

Amigos, diversión y comida gratis ¡Hola padres y tutores!

Alimentos GRATIS para niños y niñas de 1 a 18 años.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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Rockets’ James Harden ready to rumble

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By MAX EDISON Defender

resh off the heels of a gold medal-winning performance as a member of the USA Men’s World Cup team, Rockets’ guard James Harden recently showed up to Media Day anxious for the beginning of training camp and what he hopes is a championship caliber season.

As the unquestioned leader of a talented team that failed to get out of the first round of the NBA playoffs for the second year on his watch, Harden is out to show naysayers that he can lead the team to pro basketball’s promised land.

With the sting of a last-second loss to Portland in last year’s playoffs a distant image in his rear view mirror, “the Beard” doesn’t need extra motivation as the dawn of a new season draws near.

“For me, I’m always motivated to be better than I was this past year,” Harden said. “We had a pretty good season last year, especially for me and Dwight [Howard] being together for the first time, this year’s going to be Star guard James Harden is excited about the new season and the chance to win a championship. even better.

“We’ve figured each other out and The wave of success that Harden currently experience he feels will pay dividends for himself we’re more familiar with each other, enjoys is not void of critics who chide him for his and the Rockets this season. not only me and Dwight, but Patrick [Beverley], disdain for consistently playing defense.

“It helped me a lot, obviously learning from Terrence [Jones] and the rest of the guys as well.

“I hear it, but I don’t pay attention to it,” he We’ve added some veteran pieces which we needed, some of the best coaches in the world,” Harden said. “I know I can be a really good defender. Obviwith some championship experience. We’re focused said. Those coaches included Mike Krzyzewski of ously, at times my defense is pretty bad. And there Duke University, Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago and motivated to be a great team this season.” are a lot of ‘stars’ whose defense is bad at times.

Preparing for his third year as a Rocket, Harden Bulls and Monty Williams of the New Orleans That category is something I have to be better at.

Pelicans. feels his comfort level with his team is ideal.

For us to go and reach our potential it has to be “That experience was unbelievable, just being “When I first got to Houston I was unsure, done.”

I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect,” he re- around that great group of guys, seeing how hard Harden said he is excited about the opportunity they work,” Harden continued. “You put it all in called. “Last year having Dwight for the first time to improve. perspective, me going out there competing, playing I didn’t know what to expect again. It was my first “I’ve got a point guard [Beverley] on one side hard for one goal, that’s the gold medal. time ever playing with a dominant big man. Now of me whose mindset is he’s going to lock every“I’m going to try to bring that mindset here,” it’s like a comfort level. I know what to expect, the body up. You’ve got a small forward [Trevor Ariza] he said. “It’s going to be 82 games, it’s a long seains and outs, and I know what needs to be done.” son, things aren’t going to go right all the time. But on the other side of you with the same mindset and Harden was named a first-team All NBA as long as you got that mindset that no matter what then you have a big man [Howard] who’s blocking performer for the 2013-14 season. He spent his goes on we’re going to win a championship, we’re everything. It’s about me being focused on every summer refining his game on the World Cup team possession.” with some of the world’s greatest players. It was an going to be good.”

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Carr difference maker for The Woodlands

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

t didn’t take running back Patrick Carr long to figure out he could be a difference maker for The Woodlands High School football team.

“It was two years ago when I had confidence in myself after the first game as a sophomore on varsity,” he said. “It’s hard as a young player to come on a fast-paced varsity level and have success. I prayed about it and put it in God’s hands and he worked it out.

“I’m just so thankful that I was able to adjust to the speed of the game because you only get so many good opportunities in life,” Carr said. “Everybody doesn’t get a chance to play this game and I just try to have a good heart about it.”

After opening the season with a 9-0 loss to Cy-Fair, The Woodlands has reeled off consecutive victories over Spring Dekaney, Katy, La Porte and Conroe. Then unbeaten Atascocita came to Woodforest Bank Stadium for a key District 16-6A showdown with hopes of ambushing the Highlanders.

Trailing 7-0 beginning the second quarter, The Woodlands scored 17 unanswered points before intermission and closed out a 24-14 victory to improve to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in district play.

With the Highlanders holding a tenuous 17-14 advantage and seemingly pinned down at their own two-yard line in the fourth quarter, Carr quickly flipped the field on the Eagles with a 50-yard run that put the ball in Atascocita territory.

“That’s what Patrick does, he makes plays,” said Mark Schmid, head coach of The Woodlands. “At times, it seems like he wills things to happen and he did on that play.”

Carr finished with a team-high 114 rushing yards on 16 carries against Atascocita.

“The guys up front were doing their jobs and the outside and slot receivers were getting on their guys and getting after it,” Carr said. “I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to play with those guys.

“Even though I didn’t score, I was still doing my job. It’s the little things that separate an average player from a good player,” Carr said. “I was trying to do the little things to help my team get the victory.”

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Carr had a 28-yard TD run in the Highlanders’ 24-7 victory over Katy. In a 49-3 win against La Porte, Carr rushed for 130 yards on eight carries and scored three touchdowns. During the La Porte game, Carr became the first player in Highlander history to surpass 4,000 yards. He added 147 rushing yards and one TD in a 51-3 demolishing of Conroe.

Although the senior hasn’t settled on a college destination yet, he says that decision is coming soon. Carr is a Virgo (Sept. 22, 1995) said math is his favorite subject at school.

“Sometimes math can beat you up, but I love solving things,” he said. “It’s like a football game in a way. You have to figure out what you want to do, read it and execute it right.”

Patrick Carr doesn’t mind doing the “little things” on the field to help his team win.

Pearland wins Dawson game It was like a pillow fight between siblings.

Pearland took on Pearland ISD rival Dawson for the first time in football last weekend. The two teams slugged it out for 48 minutes and when the smoke cleared, Pearland had squeezed out a 15-6 victory. Afterwards, the two teams came together for a prayer at midfield. “You’re going to compete against your brother, but that doesn’t mean you don’t love him,” said Pearland head coach Tony Heath. “That doesn’t mean you can’t pray together and that doesn’t mean you can’t be a family. It’s very important here in Pearland that we remain a unit.” Dawson fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome key mistakes, especially on special teams. Heath and Dawson head coach Eric Wells coached together at La Marque and Pearland before Dawson opened seven years ago. “We sold out of tickets and everybody came and screamed the whole game,” Wells said. “I’m proud of the spirit of Dawson High School.”

District races heating up Some good high school football games on tap include top-ranked Manvel against Dawson at The Rig in Pearland. Cy-Fair faces Langham Creek at the Berry Center. The state’s top-ranked Class 4A school (Navasota) will be in Houston to play Houston Sterling at Barnett Stadium. Other games to watch include Katy vs. Seven Lakes at Rhodes Stadium. Spring Westfield takes on Klein Collins at Klein Memorial Stadium and Lamar vs. Bellaire at Butler Stadium.

Tigers rebound to win The Texas Southern University Tigers found their winning stride recently by defeating Mississippi Valley State 20-16 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Tigers were paced by a potent running game led by Daveonn Porter (22 rushes, 116 yards) and Jay Christope (14 rushes, 70 yards). The Tiger defense also got into the scoring act when senior safety Le’Tevin Wilcox picked up a fumble and returned it 40 yards for a score. The win keeps the Tigers squarely in the race for the SWAC’s West Division crown and a chance to play in the conference championship. TSU is currently in second place behind Grambling in the West with a 3-1 conference record (5-1 overall). TSU hits the field again on Oct. 18 when they travel to Alcorn State. Alcorn is the top team in the East division. The conference championship will held at NRG Stadium on Dec. 6.

Dunn returns to Rockets Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale recently announced that he has hired former team assistant T.R. Dunn to be on his staff. Dunn joins the Rockets after spending three seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Prior to his stint in Minnesota, Dunn was an assistant on former Rockets head coach Rick Adelman’s staff in Houston for four seasons from 2007 to 2011. He helped produce two top-five defenses in the league by team defensive rating (2007-08 and 2008-09). During his 14-year NBA playing career, Dunn was regarded as one of the premiere defensive players of his time.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 9 | 2014

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

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PINK POWER…..The Fourth Annual Katherine’s Breakfast for Breast Cancer most gorgeous hats. By the way, hats off to Board President Charlotte Bryant and her Survivors was held at the Power Center. The program was the brainchild of Karena organization for a worthwhile event that acknowledges those who are working for the Polk. With so many ladies sporting pink hair it was obvious it was a breast cancer best interest of our community…..LEADERSHIP SUMMIT…..The Texas Women’s event, and included everything from food to massages to support groups. In addition Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) held the 8th Annual International Financial and to door prizes, guests heard from several doctors who told survivor stories, discussed Leadership Summit at the J.W. Marriot Galleria. The organization founded by Deavra current treatments and offered words of hope and encouragement. The atmosphere was Daughtry, CEO of Excellent Care Management, was formed to mentor families to one of sisterhood and support. Some of the participants were Rhonda Armstrong, reach their full potential in life. The two-day conference featured Tina Knowles’s Day, Sheronda Jackson, Sharon Washington, Sonja Thornton, a community celebration with singer Fantasia, and the International Defender TOP EVENTS Leadership Awards Gala Reception celebrating Style Magazine’s Talisha Wright, Ramona Rodriguez, Dr. Denise HamlinMore photos on defendernetwork.com Glover, and Dr. Morgan Norris…..LIVING LEGENDS…..The 25 years. Some in attendance were Cheryl Creuzot, gubernatorial See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association 2014 Living Legends candidate Sen. Wendy Davis, Marina Coryat, Laurie Vignaud with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning luncheon paid tribute to several tiers of honorees: Evelyn Floyd, and many more. The activities raised funds for youth scholarship Carrie Jackson, Johnnie Boone, Dorothy Bell, LaVerne Rogprograms and the Eagle Scholars Enrichment Program. One of the ers, Johnola Straight, Fredric Nicks, J. Carlton Wallace, Patti Rollins and Delores most informative and inspiring events was the workshop on financial leadership where Gooden. Other awardees were Jacqueline Bostic, Lillie Rollins, Jeffield Jefferson, adults and children heard speakers Nbuda Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s grandson), Rosa Rush, Joyce Aubrey, Ellis Douglas, Christine Smith, Rev. Dr. Vernus Swisher, Daughtry, Issac Brown, Misty Grant, Dwight Pledger, Lavaille Lavette, Jerome Rachelle Denson and Etta Hill. Attendees dressed in their finest wore some of the Edmondson and Johnny Wimbrey.

Ramona Rodriguez, Dr. Morgan Norris and Karena Polk

Charlotte Bryant and Clardina Jones

Deavra Daughtry

Jennie Bennett and Wanda Johnson

Marianne Young Walker and Dolores Sandling

Erika Lee, Ebone Stowers, Jenny Martinez and Tabitha Gonzales

Kathy Thibodeaux and Florida Cooper

Jacqueline Bostic and grandson Donte Wright

Nbuda Mandela, Deavra Daughtry, Issac Brown, Misty Grant, Dwight Pledger, Lavaille Lavette, Jerome Edmondson and Johnny Wimbrey

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